About Us

Rural Dog Rescue was founded in 2011 by Kim Hawkins, the owner of Howl To The Chief. We are based in Washington, D.C., and serve communities in D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia.

We work with several high-kill shelters (who either euthanize dogs in 72 hours or whose kill rate is 70% or higher) in rural areas of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. We also help dogs in need in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.

A dedicated network of volunteers

Based in Washington, D.C., Rural Dog Rescue relies on a dedicated network of volunteers in the D.C. region and near shelters in rural areas of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Our rescue is 100% volunteer-based with individuals assisting in the transport, adoption, and constant care of dogs without any compensation.

Rooting for the underdogs

We focus on efforts on shelters that euthanize over 70% of dogs or euthanize in 72 hours, and we rescue a range of breeds and sizes. Our commitment is to rescuing the “underdogs" - dogs that are often overlooked in shelters because they are dark-colored, hounds, sick, injured, or senior.

To date, RDR has placed more than 1,300 dogs in forever homes.

contact us

Rural Dog Rescue is located at 733 8th Street SE at Howl to the Chief. We hold adoption events there every Saturday from 12-2pm (September - May) or 10AM - 12PM (June - August).